Deck Review: Human Spirit Oracle

Jenna Dellagrottaglia and Laurence Toner, Human Spirit Oracle: Learning to Reconnect. NSW, Australia: Rockpool Publishing, 2023. ISBN: 9781922785176. 

Genre: oracle decks 

Subgenre: spirituality 

Format: Kit with small paperback book and deck.

Source: I own this one. 

 

This kit includes a paperback companion book and a 44-card deck. The deck's theme is "about what we all universally experience as humans, and reminds us that we are all connected" (from back of box description). The cards art drew me to this deck, and it has become a favorite. Jena Dellagrottaglia is listed as author and artist, so that drew me to the deck too. She has done artwork on some of Colette Baron-Reid's decks. However, inside the book, on the next to last page mentions Laurence Toner as author; it seems he wrote some or all of the text. This is not fully clear. 

The book is 104 pages long and is arranged as follows: 

• Introduction. Describes the deck's concept. 
• How to use the cards. Brief instruction on how you can use the cards. Instruction is open-ended. Note this deck can be read reversed. Upright and reversed meanings are provided. Section also includes instruction to do a one-card pull and two additional card spreads. 
• The cards. Each entry includes a color card image, card number and title, upright and reverse meanings. Each entry is two pages long. 
• About the creators. 
• Acknowledgements. 

Book pages are in color, and it is a nice book with various small illustrations throughout. It is a very easy read. Card messages are mostly positive and uplifting, but they also look at darker moments in life. If you need messages to comfort you a bit and live within the human condition, this book and deck are a good option. There are some humorous cards and moments too. 

The card art blends collage with a surrealist style and feel. Art is colorful and expressive with good attention to detail. Cards can work well for intuitive readers. I find I can read them intuitively. I still read the book, and I'd read the entries after my initial reading reading of the cards. I usually rotate decks every month. I kept this one in rotation for two months. I'll probably take it to my work office to use in my small altar for a while.  

The cards measure about 5 inches by 3 1/2 inches. The card back is in green with a circular Celtic style circle. Card back is reversible. The cards have a bright green gilded edge, which is a nice touch. 

Overall I really like this deck, and it is now a favorite for me. For me it works well for my path with the Cosmic Joker. I love the art, and I find it easy to use. I do recommend it. 

5 out of 5 stars.  

Kit qualifies for the following 2026 Reading Challenge: